Lines of Research

Computational Modeling and Optimization

The computational modeling and optimization line of research aims to train researchers who have sufficient knowledge to apply mathematical and computational modeling techniques to analyze and design engineering systems, developing, in appropriate cases, software and hardware, enabling technology transfer to the productive sector.

Computational modeling and optimization are important to deal with problems in various areas of knowledge. Particularly for this master's project, it is intended to develop models for applied mathematics, mechanical, mechatronics, production, and computer science engineering. In the context of mechanical systems, we intend to investigate mainly the vibrations and dynamics of products and processes traditionally used in the industrial productive sector, such as: concentrated parameter mechanical systems, rotating machines, conventional manufacturing processes, vehicle and aircraft structures, etc. On the other hand, the mechatronic systems to be investigated are those aimed at robotizing and automating processes, such as: articulated mechanisms, computerized machine tools, among others. Considering the advancement of digital computing, there are currently more techniques available to deal with such problems and increasingly complex issues, as well as enabling the emergence of new optimization techniques, which are indispensable for dealing with problems that were previously unsolved.

These new optimization techniques, such as, Genetic Algorithms, Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA), Simulated Annealing, Differential Evolution, Taboo Search, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and others, have been used in various studies related to different areas. For research concerning the mechanical engineering area, there are also several numerical techniques that are intended to be applied to research of topics of interest in this line of research. Among the main analysis tools, the following are worth mentioning: finite element method, numerical optimization techniques, initial value problem-solving techniques (Runge-Kutta and Newmark methods, etc.), signal processing and analysis techniques (FFT, filters, etc.), among others. Finally, recent computational concepts include descriptive logic, ontologies and formal validation, applied in cryptography, as well as system and database validation.